*jona:

One dies in Abia communal clash
Biola Azeez, Umuahia - 14.06.2009

[b]AT least 12 persons were reported to have sustained serious body injuries from gun shots while one was reportedly killed when a group of youths in Ozu Abam community in Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State clashed with the state’s vigilance team popularly called Bakassi.


Sunday Tribune investigations revealed that a long-running political crisis in the community came to its head early morning when some youths protested the incessant arrests and intimidation by the vigilance team. They blocked entrances to the community with logs of wood and other items.


The men of the vigilance team, reportedly irked by the behaviour of the youth, resorted to shooting sporadically, hitting some innocent people in an attempt to bring the ensuing chaotic situation under control.


Many were allegedly shot by the Bakassi during the early morning attack while trying to escape from the melee.


Many casualties were reportedly treated at private hospitals in the area, while one Mr. Ndidi Oloh died on arrival at the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia.


Another person shot on the head, John Onyeani, is still receiving medical attention at the hospital.


When the Sunday Tribune visited the Crowther Ward of the FMC on Friday, one of the victims, Mr. Mbonu Ekechi was seen with bandage wrapped around his leg. Ekechi said men of the state’s vigilance team had been visiting the area in the past three weeks to arrest some youths but that they are usually released after paying N10, 000 to the security team.
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http://www.tribune.com.ng/14062009/news/news6.html